Thomas Tuchel believes “it would be better” for Anthony Taylor not to referee Chelsea again after the fiery 2-2 London derby draw at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea boss Tuchel and Spurs manager Antonio Conte were sent off at full-time for their second clash, with the coaches squaring up to each other amid a niggling handshake.
Tuchel and Conte were both booked during the match in a major dugout melee after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s goal, with Chelsea incensed that Kai Havertz was not awarded a free-kick in the build-up.
Harry Kane celebrates the dramatic late equalise (PA)
Harry Kane buried an added-time header to snatch a draw, after Christian Romero had avoided any censure for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair.
A VAR check ruled out a red card for Romero’s hair pull, but Chelsea were not even awarded a free-kick. And from the next corner, Kane headed in to steal the draw.
Chelsea fans have long claimed an agenda from Taylor against the Blues, and Tuchel knew full well he would draw the wrath of the FA upon himself with his comments in response.
Asked if he thinks Taylor should not referee Chelsea again, Tuchel replied: “Maybe it would be better, maybe it would be better.
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“But honestly we also have VAR, to help make the right decisions. Since when can players have their hair pulled, since when is that?
Marc Cucurella talks to the assistant referee after having his hair pulled (PA)
“And if he does not see it, I don’t blame him – I didn’t see it.
“But we have people at VAR who check this, and then you see it. And then what?
“And how can this not be a free-kick, and then a red card? How?
“This does not even have to do with the referee in this case.
“If he does not see something that’s why we have people to check if this is a decisive error or not.”
Thomas Tuchel was unimpressed with the officials (PA)
When asked again about Chelsea supporters’ concerns about Taylor’s officiating, Tuchel continued: “I don’t think that just some of the fans think that: I can assure you that the whole dressing room of us, every person thinks that.
“Not only the fans. You know the players, they know what’s going on when they are on the pitch. They know it.”
Asked if the players are worried when Taylor is in charge, Tuchel added: “Yeah, of course.”
And when it was put to him that he will most likely face a touchline ban for next weekend’s Premier League trip to Leeds, Tuchel said: “So, good! I cannot coach but the referee can whistle the next game.”
Kalidou Koulibaly’s fine volley from Cucurella’s corner had Chelsea in command and leading 1-0 at half-time.
Kalidou Koulibaly celebrates the opening goal (PA)
Hojbjerg struck back for Tottenham, sparking the first coaches clash on the touchline.
Chelsea settled again however and Reece James fired the Blues back into the lead from Raheem Sterling’s pass.
Kane ensured honours ended even amid a turbulent, engaging and controversial contest however, leaving Tuchel furious with both goals.
Tuchel also revealed he thought Richarlison was offside for Tottenham’s first goal.
“I cannot understand how the first goal is not offside,” said Tuchel.
Thomas Tuchel argues with Antonio Conte (Ian Walton/AP)
“And I cannot understand how players can pull others hair and stay on the pitch.
“This is for me without any explanation and I don’t want to accept any.
“I have no words for it, I’m curious what the explanation is for that. Both goals should not stand and we should win.
“It cannot happen when we have VAR on this level, when goals are allowed that aren’t goals. This is the frustration, this is unacceptable.”
Both Tuchel and Conte moved to laugh off their two confrontations, especially the full-time handshake that led to their red cards.
